Francis, Casper S.- the Francis family, of
Swedish descent, was early found in Montgomery County, where lived Thomas
Francis. His son Joseph married Susannah Snyder, whose grandfather was an
emigrant from Germany. They had 6 sons and a daughter, of whom Casper S.
was the second son and child. HE was born in E. Pikeland twp, Aug 31,
1811. He worked on the farm until his 18th year, and was engaged at
millwright and carpenter work until 1836, when (Sept. 29th) he was married to
Martha Finkbiner. IN the spring of 1837 he moved to the mill formerly
belonging to Frederick Yost, which he purchased, with 50 acres of land, to which
he afterwards added 25. Here he remained, farming until 1860, when he
removed to Spring City (then Springville), to engage in the manufacture of
stoves, under the firm name of Smith, Francis and Wells. HE was a director
of the Phoenixville Natl Bank for nearly 10 years. In 1866 he again
embarked in the stove-foundry business at Royer's Ford, under the firm-name of
Francis, Buckwalter and Co. In 1869 he was elected chief burgess, and was
instrumental, in 1872, in procuring the charter for a natl. bank at Spring City,
which soon organized with him as its president, which position he has ever since
held. He was the means of having the name of the post-office and borough
of Springville changed to Spring City. He has served repeatedly as school
director, borough treasurer; a director in the Royer's Ford Bridge Association,
and is a member, with his family, of the Reform Church. He is a good
business man, safe and careful in his management, and is highly esteemed in the
community as a public spirited citizen of integrity and honor.